Florida TaxWatch warns against diminishing public notice of important property tax information

press release, Florida TaxWatch

Editor’s Note: The following release and report may be republished in FPA member newspapers.

A new briefing by Florida’s premier independent government watchdog, Florida TaxWatch, addresses two important taxpayer safeguards that are currently under fire. Legislation has been filed again this session to allow for their posting on the web to be sufficient notice, rather than placing the notice in a local newspaper (Notice of Proposed Tax Increase and other legal notices) or delivering by first class mail (TRIM Notice).

The Truth in Millage Act (TRIM) that was enacted to provide uniform, accounts and consistant property tax notices and provide information and opportunities for input to taxpayers. The Trim Notice informs each taxpayer of how their property tax bill would change from the present year under the proposed budget of each taxing authority and if the taxing authority made no budget changes.

“The TRIM law is one of the most accountable and taxpayer-friendly laws in the nation; however, it is only as the taxpayers understand it in an accurate and straightforward (third-party) manner,” said Florida Taxwatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro. “This is a vital taxpayer protection tool, and Floridians deserve to get concise and accurate information about how local government decisions affect the property taxes that they pay.”

As an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit government watchdog & taxpayer research institute for forty years, the trusted eyes and ears of Florida taxpayers, Florida TaxWatch, works to improve the productivity and accountability of Florida government. Its research recommends productivity enhancements and explains the statewide impact of fiscal and economic policies and practices on citizens and businesses.

Florida TaxWatch is supported by voluntary, tax-deductible donations and private grants, and does not accept government funding. Donations provide a solid, lasting foundation that has enabled Florida TaxWatch to bring about a more effective, responsive government that is more accountable